Upwards of 85% of U.S. adults consume caffeine daily; it’s a staple part of American life and culture. Many of us feel like we need that morning cup of coffee to get our day started. Is caffeine the only option to get that morning boost?
Kratom is relatively new to the scene in the United States, but it has taken off in popularity since the 2010s. Like caffeine, kratom is a stimulant known for its energizing effects. But how far do the similarities go? Does kratom have caffeine? What about kratom products? What are the pros and cons of each? The kratom team at Mitra Bros went looking for answers.
The Origins of Kratom and Caffeine
Caffeine and kratom both contain alkaloids that are naturally-occurring stimulants. Caffeine can be found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao pods, and kola nuts. Most caffeine consumed in the U.S. comes from coffee, and most coffee in the U.S. is imported from a few countries including Colombia, Brazil, and Switzerland. A very small portion of the coffee consumed in the U.S. (less than 1%) is grown in Hawaii and a few farms in California.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It’s actually a member of the same plant family as coffee, although it does not contain caffeine.
Kratom products are made from the leaves of the kratom tree. The leaves are typically either brewed into a tea or dried, crushed, and processed into powders and capsules. Kratom extracts with more concentrated doses are also available. Virtually all of America’s kratom is imported from Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.
As it is a newer arrival to the U.S., there are more complications regarding kratom’s legal status. Kratom is currently legal in 44 out of 50 states. Many states with legal kratom have imposed regulations like age restrictions, testing and processing guidelines, and labeling requirements. Kratom is largely unregulated at the federal level.
Caffeine is generally legal across the U.S., although there is an ongoing movement to impose age limits on high-caffeine products like energy drinks.
The Science Behind Kratom vs. Caffeine
Caffeine is known as a xanthine alkaloid, which primarily affects the central nervous system by blocking adenosine receptors. Adenosine receptors are responsible for regulating the body’s sleep/wake cycle. Caffeine prevents adenosine from slowing nerve activity, which leads to stimulation, alertness, and increased energy, although it can also lead to the “jitters” or caffeine crashes. Basically, caffeine stops your brain from making you feel sleepy, allowing you to feel more alert.
Kratom’s primary active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are alkaloids that interact with the opioid receptors in the brain. Although not technically an opioid, kratom has been studied to potentially have similar effects. By binding to those receptors, kratom can trigger feelings of physical wellness, boost energy and focus, and also affect a person’s mood. Scientists are currently studying whether kratom can be a safe and effective tool for treating anxiety, depression, and opioid addiction.
How Does Kratom Affect the Body?
At low doses, kratom may feel similar to caffeine. People who take kratom say that they feel more energized and focused, which makes sense given kratom’s origins. Traditionally, farmers and other laborers in Southeast Asia took kratom to remain productive for long stretches of work. Anecdotally, some users report that kratom decreases pain and enhances muscle relaxation.
Many people also say that kratom acts as a mood elevator. They say they feel more sociable, more talkative, and generally have a more positive outlook. Medical experts conducting observational studies and surveys have noted that some users find kratom helpful for “pain relief, mood improvement, [and] energy.”
Different strains of kratom can also highlight different parts of the kratom experience. Red vein kratom is known to be more relaxing, for example, while white vein kratom enhances the energy-boosting effects.
At higher doses, kratom can have more of a grounding effect. Some people who take kratom may also experience negative side effects like headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. Per a report from the CDC, most poison center control calls about kratom involved people experiencing minor or moderate side effects.
Here at Mitra Bros, we always advise users to start with low doses and stay in tune with your body before gradually increasing kratom intake. This will help reduce the likelihood of experiencing any potential adverse effects.
How Does Caffeine Affect the Body?
Caffeine, likewise, has its pros and cons. At normal doses, it can help people feel more awake and alert. It may also temporarily improve memory and cognition. Caffeine boosts the flow of dopamine, which can lead to feeling more happy and engaged with the world. Some studies have looked into whether caffeine can be an effective treatment for reducing the risk of depression.
Overdoing it on caffeine, however, can have negative effects. Caffeine can affect the body’s production of melatonin, making it harder to sleep at night. Too much caffeine can also cause people to feel jittery or anxious and may exacerbate anxiety disorders. Regularly consuming a lot of caffeine can also lead to chemical dependency. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, depression, and trouble concentrating.
Overall, kratom and caffeine both have their benefits and their drawbacks. Do your research, stay informed, and listen to your body to find the products that work best for you.
Stay Informed with Mitra Bros
Kratom may be newer on the scene than caffeine, but there’s no doubt it’s becoming a bigger part of American life. The science and culture around kratom are both rapidly evolving. At Mitra Bros, we pride ourselves on staying on top of the latest developments and keeping our customers well-informed. Check out kratom news, as well as tips and tricks, over at the Mitra Bros blog.
For a variety of premium-quality kratom products, check out our online shop.
